Two Greater Crested Terns found dead in Dee Why and Warriewood have tested positive for bird flu.
The birds were the first known cases of the fast-spreading virus discovered in Sydney, but at the time of publication there were more than 500 confirmed events throughout Australia.
Globally, the spread of H5 avian influenza has caused mass mortality in hundreds of millions of wild birds and poultry and has expanded into more than 100 mammal species.
It mainly affects birds but can also infect other animals. Cats and dogs can sometimes get sick if they eat or interact with infected animals. To reduce the risk, keep pets away from sick or dead birds and other wildlife.
The discovery came just days after the government announced plans to prioritise vaccinating Manly’s little penguin colony in the hope of protecting the vulnerable population from extinction.
The colony will be among the first birds in the state to receive an H5 bird flu vaccination, though its efficacy is completely unknown.
For now, the vaccine is registered for use in rare and endangered species only, with biosecurity the best preventive option. People with pet birds or backyard chooks should have plans in place to protect those birds and to stop any risk of spread.
“If you’ve got backyard chooks, we’re asking you to make sure that you keep their food clean and under shelter, and keep their water clean and under shelter,” Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, said at the recent announcement of the vaccination program at Taronga Zoo.
The NSW vaccination trial has started small, focusing on wild bird vaccinations in Manly’s more intimate little penguin colony, which has a reported 15-21 breeding pairs.
The recent Great Big Little Penguin Count report has shown a downward trend in the species’ population across the State, with Manly being the lowest recorded.
Manly Observer asked if there would be a backup or containment plan if the vaccine proves ineffective following an outbreak in a small population of endangered species, such as the little penguins.
It was relayed that the virus is difficult to contain, hence the focus being on biosecurity and vaccinations. If there is an outbreak with deaths in critically endangered species, then those birds may be captured for insurance populations within facilities like Taronga Zoo.
Admitting the flu shot isn’t a “silver bullet”, the government also has “drones in the air, people in boats and people on the ground,” as well as community reporting for maximum surveillance.
If you notice sick or dead birds or other animals showing signs of bird flu, you should not touch them or get too close. Record your location and report multiple sick or dead birds or other animals to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
